Renters

Orenco Station

Opinion: Upzoning Isn't Just for Major Streets

The practice of limiting high-density development to busy arterial streets puts renters and low-income households at higher risk for the effects of air and noise pollution created on major roads.

December 15, 2021 - Slate

Suburban House

Single-Family and Build-to-Rent Homes Growing in Size

As people perform more daily functions at home, homeowners and renters are seeking larger footprints to accommodate a broader range of uses.

December 14, 2021 - GlobeSt.com

National Harbor

Upzoning Plan Faces Opposition in Prince George's County

A rezoning plan in Prince George's County, Maryland is receiving strong criticism from residents who worry redevelopment without tenant protections will lead to displacement.

December 2, 2021 - DCist

Austin Traffic

Austin Becoming Least Affordable City Outside California

The Texas capital, once one of the most affordable metro areas, is experiencing a housing affordability crisis as median prices soar and longtime residents face displacement.

December 1, 2021 - The New York Times

Housing protest

As Rent Relief Efforts Drag on, Treasury is Redistributing Funds

"This is not about reward and punishment … It’s about speeding up effective relief for families in need of housing security and eviction protection."

November 4, 2021 - Shelterforce Magazine

Empty living room/dining room in an apartment in a 1920s apartment house, Los Angeles, California.

Spiking Rents Putting More People at Risk of Eviction

Housing costs across the country are becoming more and more unaffordable for low- and moderate-income households, a trend that began even before the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 26, 2021 - The New York Times

Pit bull puppy sitting on grass looking up at the camera

How Pit Bull Bans Exacerbate Housing Issues

While many places have eliminated their breed-specific bans, some counties hold on to outdated stereotypes that create additional challenges in an already tight housing market.

October 21, 2021 - Greater Greater Washington

Houston, Texas

Houston Council Will Consider Stricter Apartment Inspection Process

The proposal would reform the inspection process to improve coordination between departments and institute a fine for landlords who don't make requested repairs.

October 19, 2021 - Houston Public Media

Apartment for Rent

U.S. Rents Spiking As More Renters Enter the Market

All of the nation's largest metro areas are experiencing sharp growth in costs and demand for rental housing, posing even more challenges for low-income renters.

October 11, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

Seattle

One Quarter of Washington State Renters Fear Eviction

State data show more tenants expect eviction in the coming months even as the state struggles to disburse rental assistance funds.

September 16, 2021 - Washington State Wire

For Rent

The Pandemic Effect: Landlord Edition

A new survey highlights the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on small landlords, who provide much of the nation's low-cost rental housing.

September 9, 2021 - Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University

Los Angeles County

Subsidizing High-End Housing for Middle-Class Renters

Using joint power authorities, local governments can purchase luxury buildings, avoid property taxes, and offer lower rents for qualifying tenants.

August 26, 2021 - Los Angeles Times

Small-Scale Apartment

Rental Assistance Still Not Reaching Tenants in Need

Federal funds meant to help renters during the pandemic are still stuck in bureaucratic limbo as the end of the latest eviction moratorium looms in early October.

August 19, 2021 - CNBC

A bar is adorned in festive decorations for a college football game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

'Gameday Homes' Raise Housing Costs in Small Southern Towns

Small college towns are seeing housing costs increase as out-of-town football fans buy up properties for short-term use.

August 18, 2021 - Next City

Washington Monuments

D.C.'s Flexible Rent Subsidy Helps Families Avoid Homelessness

The program gives households a rent subsidy that can be used flexibly over time, making it a valuable tool for workers with fluctuating incomes.

August 12, 2021 - Urban Institute

Basement Apartment

High Housing Costs Could Keep Inflation Rising

After last year's precipitous drops, rents are rising again in cities around the country, which could signal sustained inflation.

August 1, 2021 - New York Times

COVID-19 Eviction Crisis

How to Speed Up Rental Assistance Distribution

With the eviction moratorium set to expire soon, states and localities must do more to streamline the application process and get federal assistance dollars into the hands of renters facing eviction.

July 22, 2021 - Urban Wire

Harlem

Debt Piles Up for Low-Income Renters

As the end of federal and state eviction moratoriums looms, renters who fell behind on payments during the pandemic now face "staggering" amounts of debt.

June 1, 2021 - New York Times

Apartments for rent signage

As Home Prices Rise, So Does the Number of Renters

The intense competition in today's housing market means more people might have to settle for rental housing.

May 16, 2021 - Vox

New York City

Does Zoning Create a Vicious Circle—Or Can It Fix Itself?

Ideally, planners could balance homeowners' interests in zoning against the public good, liberalizing zoning when prices got too high. But this may be politically impossible.

April 4, 2021 - Michael Lewyn

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.